Oxfordshire water pipe work uncovers ancient skeletons

Image copyrightPAImage caption The skeletons were discovered in an archaeological dig in Oxfordshire

Twenty-six human skeletons, thought to be about 3,000 years old, have been found during water pipe excavation work.

The discovery of the Oxfordshire settlement, believed to be from the Iron Age and Roman periods, was made during a Thames Water project.

Cotswold Archaeology, which excavated the site, believes some of the remains may have been from ritual burials.

The site is being excavated as part of a £14.5m water pipe scheme.

Cotswold Archaeology chief executive Neil Holbrook said: “The Iron Age site at Childrey Warren was particularly fascinating as it provided a glimpse into the beliefs and superstitions of people living in Oxfordshire before the Roman conquest.